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Software Architect Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cohort AI

Software Architect

Naperville, IL · On-site

About the Role Cohort AI is seeking a Senior Software Architect to shape and lead the design of modern, cloud-native platforms that power our AI and data-driven solutions. In this role, you will own ...

Pampered Chef LTD

Software Architect

Addison, IL · On-site

$140K - $155K/yr

We are looking for a Software Architect who enjoys both designing systems and contributing to them. Someone who can think strategically about architecture, guide sound technical decisions, and also ...

GCH Technologies

Software Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145 - $180/hr

This role is responsible for defining architecture, guiding engineering standards, and delivering scalable software and analytics capabilities across cloud-native applications. The successful ...

Lnw

Principal Software Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

Position Summary The Principal Software Architect is responsible for defining and driving the technical architecture strategy that enables Light & Wonder's transition from legacy gaming technology ...

Abbott

Sr. Staff Software Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$133K - $181K/yr

Job Title Sr. Staff Software Architect Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll ...

Abbott

Sr. Staff Software Architect

Chicago, IL

$133K - $181K/yr

Job Title Sr. Staff Software Architect Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll ...

Abbott

Sr. Staff Software Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$133K - $181K/yr

Job Title Sr. Staff Software Architect Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll ...

HUB

Software Architect- Python

Chicago, IL

This individual is responsible for implementing best practices and modern software architecture patterns, and must stay current on the latest backend trends - including cloud-native development ...

RIT Solutions, Inc.

Java Architect

Naperville, IL · On-site

$63 - $85/hr

Responsibilities : • Must be a strong software architect that has not been too far away from the code (Java), able to work with offshore teams as well as execs to modernize a legacy mainframe ...

RIT Solutions, Inc.

Java Architect

Naperville, IL · On-site

$63 - $85/hr

Responsibilities : • Must be a strong software architect that has not been too far away from the code (Java), able to work with offshore teams as well as execs to modernize a legacy mainframe ...

Keylent Inc

Integration Architect 24742-1

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$72.50 - $93.50/hr

... Software Architect Designer (RSAD) is a plus. • Candidate must have prior experience in a technical leadership role • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills and strong leadership ...

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All JobsSoftware Architect JobsSoftware Architect Jobs in Chicago, IL

Software Architect information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$81.4K

$179.4K

$212.4K

How much do software architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for software architect in Chicago, IL is $179,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,900.00 and $211,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software architect?

A software architect is responsible for engineering and determining the high-level design of software. In this career, your work is critical to the end user experience. While the specific job description will vary by employer, your duties typically include taking on new design projects and using a computer or system to ensure systematic software development. As a job, a software architect is on the IT career track. You must have in-depth technical knowledge and communicate clearly and effectively with the rest of the development team. Software architects must also have experience in stress resistance and analytical skills. Qualifications usually include years of experience in IT, project management, and system design.

How does a software architect typically collaborate with development teams during a project?

A Software Architect works closely with development teams by providing technical guidance, defining architectural standards, and ensuring that the software design aligns with business goals. They often participate in code reviews, help resolve complex technical challenges, and facilitate communication between engineers, product managers, and stakeholders. Regular meetings and documentation are key to ensuring everyone understands the architectural vision, which helps keep the project on track and maintain quality throughout the development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Architect, you need deep expertise in software design principles, system architecture, and programming languages, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with architectural frameworks, cloud platforms, and modeling tools like UML, as well as certifications such as TOGAF, is highly valued. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and guide projects to completion. These skills and qualities are essential for creating scalable, maintainable solutions that align with business goals and technical requirements.

What is the difference between Software Architect vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware ArchitectSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in CS, certifications like TOGAF or AWSBachelor's in CS or related field, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentDesigning system architecture, high-level planningWriting, testing, and maintaining code
Industry UsageUsed across tech companies, enterprise solutionsUsed in startups, tech firms, and various industries

While Software Architects focus on designing overall system structures and technical standards, Software Developers implement these designs through coding. Both roles require technical expertise, but Architects work at a higher strategic level, guiding development teams to ensure scalable and efficient software solutions.

Do software architects make a lot of money?

Software architects typically earn high salaries due to their advanced technical skills and experience in designing complex systems. Their compensation often reflects their expertise in areas like system architecture, cloud platforms, and programming languages, with salaries varying based on industry, location, and company size.
More about Software Architect jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Architect jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Software Architect jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Software Architect jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Software Architect jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Architect jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Architect jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Software Architect jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Software Architect job openings:

Software Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Architect job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $179,404 per year, or $86.3 per hour.

Software Architect

Cohort AI

Naperville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Define and lead the architecture of complex, cloud-based systems with a focus on scalability, reliability, and security

  • Design and evolve data architectures, including data models, pipelines, and lifecycle management practices

  • Partner closely with product, engineering, and business stakeholders to translate requirements into robust technical designs

Job description

About Cohort AI

Cohort AI is an applied AI company building intelligent, production-grade systems that help organizations transform complex data into real-world outcomes. We partner with forward-thinking teams to design and deploy scalable AI-driven platforms across healthcare, enterprise, and data-intensive domains. Our focus is on combining strong engineering foundations with modern cloud, data, and AI architectures to deliver systems that are reliable, explainable, and built to scale. Learn more at www.thecohort.ai.

About the Role

Cohort AI is seeking a Senior Software Architect to shape and lead the design of modern, cloud-native platforms that power our AI and data-driven solutions. In this role, you will own architectural strategy end-to-end—driving system design decisions, setting engineering standards, and guiding teams as they build scalable, secure, and high-performing systems.

You will play a key role in defining how our platforms evolve, with a strong emphasis on cloud infrastructure, distributed systems, and data architecture. Beyond hands-on technical leadership, you’ll help cultivate a strong engineering culture focused on quality, clarity, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

  • Define and lead the architecture of complex, cloud-based systems with a focus on scalability, reliability, and security

  • Design and evolve data architectures, including data models, pipelines, and lifecycle management practices

  • Partner closely with product, engineering, and business stakeholders to translate requirements into robust technical designs

  • Establish and uphold best practices across software design, development workflows, and deployment strategies

  • Evaluate, select, and integrate cloud platforms, databases, and supporting technologies

  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams, raising overall technical standards

  • Review system designs and implementations, offering clear, actionable feedback

  • Create and maintain architectural documentation to ensure clarity and long-term maintainability

  • Drive improvements in development processes, tooling, and engineering methodologies

  • Implement data governance and security practices to ensure integrity, consistency, and compliance

  • Stay current with emerging technologies and architectural patterns to inform future platform evolution

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline

  • 8+ years of professional software development experience, with significant focus on cloud architectures

  • Deep experience with one or more cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)

  • Strong foundation in software architecture principles, design patterns, and best practices

  • Proven experience designing and leading large-scale, distributed systems

  • Solid expertise in database technologies (SQL and NoSQL) and data management concepts

  • Hands-on experience with data architectures, including data warehousing, ETL pipelines, and governance models

  • Proficiency in at least one modern programming language (Python, Java, C#, or JavaScript)

  • Experience with DevOps practices such as CI/CD, infrastructure as code, and automated testing

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a system-level mindset

  • Excellent communication and leadership abilities, capable of influencing cross-functional teams

  • Comfortable working in agile environments with a collaborative, ownership-driven approach

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